October 2009 General Conference: Attempting the Impossible

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy counsels us that attempting the impossible, in the case of striving to become perfect, is worth the effort. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are models we should be following.

We are not alone in our struggle. Our Father in Heaven watches over us and helps us because He wants us to be with Him for all eternity.

Through the Atonement of the Savior, we can achieve our greatest potential. God does not expect more than we are able. But He expects no less than that.

October 2009 General Conference: Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to the saints about seeking to know God, and Jesus Christ.
Deepening secularism in the world arond us makes it ever more important to understand why the Savior's admonition,
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent".
To know God:
He Lives!
We were created in the physical image of Heavenly Father.
The Father and Son have a physical presence.
They speak with a voice. They have faces. The Son stands on the right of the Father.
Cultivate a desire to learn, and humility to be instructed. Eternal truth will be taught to you.

October 2009 General Conference: Love and Law

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke concerning the connection between love and God's commanments.
Confusing between love and law.
Why does God love us so much, and why do we desire that love?

God’s choicest blessings depend upon our obedience to God’s laws and commandments.

In teaching and reacting to their children, parents have many opportunities to apply these laws and commandments.

October 2009 General Conference: The Love of God

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency instructs regarding the nature and attributes of Heavenly Father and His disciples.
He examines these points:

• How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ?
• Why Should We Love God?
• Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?
• How Can We Increase Our Love of God?
• Why Is Love the Great Commandment?
• What attribute should define us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

October 2009 General Conference: More Diligent and Concerned at Home

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles takes his theme from a passage of Doctrine and Covenants that admonishes the brethren to be "more diligent and concerned at home", and challenges the saints to follow that advice.

First, we should express love for our families -- and show it by our actions. Jesus taught about the link between words and deeds: "If ye love me, keep my commandments".

Second, bear testimony, and live it.

Third, be consistent.

October 2009 General Conference: That Your Burdens May Be Light

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy counsels that our burdens can provide opportunities to practice virtues that contribute to eventual perfection.

Our burdens result from three sources in general:

- The nature of the world we live in
- The misconduct of others
- Our own mistakes.

Our burdens can provide opportunities that help us to progress.

Our burdens teach us humility.

We may gain by experiencing through empathy the burdens of others.

The Savior offers to deliver us from bondage.

October 2009 General Conference: Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit

Vicki F. Matsumori, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, gave counsel with regard to helping others recognize spiritual insight, particularly our children. Starting from a quotation of a passage from the Doctrine and Covenants, she went on to explain how we can help others benefit from the communications of the Spirit they might otherwise miss. We teach them to understand the doctrine.

First, we teach them to recognize how they feel under the influence of the Spirit.

The scriptures and the prophets teach what this constant companionship feels like. The Lord tells us, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” Enos stated, “While I was . . . struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind.” Joseph Smith said, “When you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas.” President Henry B. Eyring described the influence of the Holy Ghost as “peace, hope, and joy.” He added, “Almost always I have also felt a sensation of light.”
My favorite description, though, comes from an eight-year-old boy who had just received the Holy Ghost. He said, “It felt like sunshine.”

Second, we do this by bearing our testimony. Sharing testimony helps others feel the influence of the Spirit.

Third, we provide an environment where the Spirit can be felt. This means taking the time and making the effort to invite spiritual feelings.

October 2009 General Conference: To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offers counsel and advice on obtaining the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Elder Scott asserts that we may not have altogether similar circumstances as earlier stories we have learned of, because the world is changing at such a rapid pace, thus we may want to come to understand the correct principles that govern inspiration, that we may be ready to take advantage of that information as it comes to us.

Elder Scott counsels that inspiration is not subject to a simple formula or technique that would immediately allow us to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ expect us to exercise faith -- else inspiration would make us dependent and weak.

October 2009 General Conference: Welcome to Conference

President Thomas S. Monson opened the conference with the announcement of five new temples to be built: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan. He quoted words of President Joseph F. Smith as he spoke of temple service and of the spirit world beyond mortality. Said he, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their [people] here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.

He urged us to pray for those who live in places where the truth is not allowed, and prayed for us all, looking forward to the addresses of the speakers of the conference following.

October 2009 General Conference notes

Another conference has come, and with it cause to meditate and consider counsel from church leaders.

Text of this conference is online here. If you like, follow me as I review the talks online.

I will do my best to be concise.